Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a series of measures aimed at supporting farmers across the province, including a significant increase in the Kissan Card loan limit and new subsidies for solar-powered tube wells. The announcements were made during her visit to the Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, where she also launched new initiatives for wheat farmers.
The chief minister confirmed that the loan ceiling under the Kissan Card scheme has been doubled to Rs. 300,000 from the previous limit of Rs. 150,000. She noted that 85% of issued loans have already been repaid, indicating strong engagement and repayment capacity among small and medium-scale farmers.
To improve accessibility, a new SMS and helpline system will be launched for farmers who do not currently possess a Kissan Card.
Maryam Nawaz also announced a subsidy of up to 95% for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells, aiming to reduce energy costs and encourage sustainable farming practices.
The government will provide green tractors on subsidy to 20,000 farmers next year, along with the establishment of agricultural machinery rental centers in every tehsil. The CM noted that similar programs were last introduced during Nawaz Sharif’s previous tenure, linking the current effort to historical government support for agriculture.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing direct subsidies in place of a support price for wheat, with current support set at Rs. 5,000 per acre. She urged farmers not to be discouraged by disinformation, stating that the government remains committed to protecting farmer incomes.
She also highlighted a projected 30–40% increase in cotton production due to early sowing, with an expected yield of six million bales this year.
Maryam Nawaz claimed that inflation has been brought down from 40% to near zero, citing falling prices of staples such as onions, flour, and bread. She added that the government is working to reduce costs associated with seed, fertilizer, pesticides, diesel, and electricity bills for tube wells.
The chief minister also distributed tractors and cash grants to wheat farmers during the event. She also inspected the latest Chinese-manufactured tractors, emphasizing the government’s intent to modernize the agriculture sector.